Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! If this is your first time with us, I welcome you! If you're a regular follower of this blog, then it's great to have you back again! Either way, I thank you for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!
This week, we continue our study of The First Epistle To The Thessalonians, or 1 Thessalonians. First Thessalonians is regarded as one of Paul's earliest epistles, if not the first. It seems that Paul wrote this letter shortly after arriving in Corinth on his second journey. This would date it somewhere around 52 A.D.
The general theme of 1 Thessalonians is unique in that every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). In his writing, Paul places an emphasis on steadfastness and holy living.
The studies presented here are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...
"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are some things to think about for this week's lesson...
This Weeks Objectives: You should be able to...
* see the very real danger of being tempted, and the need to stand fast in the Lord.
* appreciate how our own steadfastness can be a source of joy and strength to those who taught us in the faith.
* understand the need to increase and abound in love, in order to establish our hearts blameless before God when Christ returns.
For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 3...
As Paul expresses his concern for their faithfulness, he explains why Timothy had been sent to them while he himself remained in Athens. Fearful that their afflictions might have given Satan an opportunity to tempt them and render his labors with them in vain, Timothy was sent to establish and encourage them in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).
Timothy brought back good news to Paul concerning the church at Thessalonica, telling him of their faith and love, their fond memories of Paul, and their desire to see him again. This greatly comforted Paul who was suffering his own afflictions, and he is overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy.
Praying night and day that he might see them again and perfect what is lacking in their faith, he offers a prayer that God and Jesus might direct his way to them. He also prays that the Lord will help them to increase and abound in love to one another and to all, and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God at the coming of Christ with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) Where did Paul stay when he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica? (1 Thessalonians 3:1)
2) Why did Paul send Timothy? (1 Thessalonians 3:2)
3) What was Paul fearful of that might have shaken their faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:3)
4) What two reasons are given for Paul sending Timothy to learn of their faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:5)
5) What good news had Timothy brought back to Paul? (1 Thessalonians 3:6)
6) How did this news affect Paul? (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)
7) For what did Paul pray night and day? (1 Thessalonians 3:10)
8) For what did Paul pray concerning himself? (1 Thessalonians 3:11)
9) For what did Paul pray concerning the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next Bible study...
God bless you!
Sheri
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